Improvement in closing fruit-cans



UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM WEBSTER, OF MIDDLETO'WN, OHIO.

IMPROVEMENT IN CLOSING FRUIT-CANS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 39,853, dated September 8, 1863.

lowing is a full and exact description of the manner of constructing and using my said improvements, reference being had to the accompanying drawing,- and to the letters of reference marked thereon.

The drawing represents a top view of the can, with my improved fastenings thereon, shown in perspective.

My invention relates to certain novel features in the construction of the spring coverholder, and its mode of application, in connection with a traverse bar, which serves as a guide for the spring, and at the same time gives the necessary strength and support to the lid or cover, all of which will be hereinafter more fully described.

In the drawing, A denotes the spring, which is inserted by a single direct movement through the eyes an, which are attached to the opposite sides of the can.

' B is the cover, the central part of which is raised to form a convex seat for the traversebar 0, which is a narrow loop of wire resting upon and firmly secured to the cover, thus bracing it, and preventing any liability of collapsing the cover by the application and use of the spring. The loop-formed traversebar serves also as a guide for the spring, and prevents the latter from being accidentally displaced when the cans are being handled or transported. The edge of the cover is formed with a flanged groove, in the usual manner, to fit upon the similarly-formed annular top of the can.

Attempts and experiments have been made at various times to employ a spring, in connection with mechanism for compressing it, to seal fruit-cans; also, a bar has been applied transversely of the cover and inserted in loops by two operations. The bar being rigid causes the cover to yield to its action when turned or revolved to bring its cam-projec tion down upon the cover. Other instances of the use of a crossbar with wedges, which are forced between the bar and cover, produce the same effect upon the covername- -1y', causing it to co11apseas it has not, when made of tin, as is usually the case, sufficient elasticity to wholly recover or react when the bar or wedges are removed.

Two of the leading features of my improvement are the construction of the cover and spring, so that the former cannot be-collapsed, and so as to cause the spring to serve also as a bar, by which means I dispense with a part of the mechanism which has been deemed neccessary in the performance of the same functions, and at the same time more readily and quickly apply the devices which perfectly accomplish the sealing of the cans.

Uans constructed with my improved fastening are less expensive, and more durable, as neither the spring nor the cover is liable to injury from use. The, rubber-ring packing is inserted between the lid or cover and the can-top in the usual way. The spring is made of wire properly tempered for the purpose, and is thrust by one direct operation through both of the loops, when it is given a quarter of a revolution, which will bring the central portion of the yoke of the spring upon the center of the can, and within or upon the loop -formed traverse-bar. This operation causes the spring to yield as it traverses up the loop, and the cover is securely held upon its seat, while the spring is prevented by the loop from being moved longitudinally out of its place by accident.

The wire spring A is made at one operation of the proper form by means of a machine of my invention which will furnish the subject of another application for Letters Patent.

Having thus fully described my improved fastening for sealing fruit-cans, what I claim,

.and desire to secure by Letters Patent as my invention, is-

l. The spring A, formed of tempered wire in the manner described, and applied by one direct operation, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

2. The loop formed traversebar, or its equivalent, applied and used in the manner and for the purposes specified.

3. The combination of the traverse-bar O,

and spring A, as and for the purpose de scribed.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name this lOthday of June, A. D. 1863.

IV. WEBSTER.

itnesses:

CHAS. F. GUNcKnL, J. K. WEBsrER. 

